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THINGS TO DO
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains, is an ideal getaway. Hike, camp, and experience one of America’s oldest mountain ranges.
Established in 1926, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is comprised of ridge upon ridge of seemingly endless forest on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Called the Smokies due to the ever-present morning fog, this mountain range is world renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and its history of southern Appalachian mountain culture. With nearly 80 historic buildings, spectacular displays of wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers myriad activities to enjoy.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife and viewing in the park.
A popular way for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Cades Cove landscape is a drive along the 11-mile scenic loop. The one-way loop takes you near several attractions, such as Elijah Oliver Cabin, Abrams Falls Nature Trail, the Henry Whitehead House, Cades Cove Campground, and the Cades Cove Visitor Center.
Biking in Cades Cove and viewing wild animals is one of our guests' favorite things to do.
Hiking Trails
With 800 miles of trails for hiking, Smoky Mountains offers plenty of sightseeing. A Smoky Mountains hiking adventure is the perfect way to start off a vacation during the hiking season. Surrounded by breathtaking mountaintops, the journey along one of the scenic trails makes for a perfect outing.
Here are some of the most popular destination hikes in the park:
Charlies Bunion (4 miles trail)
Alum Cave Bluffs (2.5 mile trail)
Andrews Bald (1.8 miles trail)
Rainbow Falls (2.7 miles trail)
Chimney Tops (2 miles trail)
Kephart Prong Trail
Porters Creek (kids' friendly)
Charlies Bunion offers distant view of mountains and valleys.
（Bob Carr photo ）
Waterfalls
Every year over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park.
Here are some of the most popular destination hikes in the park:
Hen Wallow Falls
Ramsey Cascades
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Laurel Waterfalls
Cataract Falls
Abrams Falls
Mouse Creek Falls
Mouse Creek Falls is located on Big Creek Trail.
Photo by Bob Carr.
Other Fun Activities
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